SLINEX 2011, the joint naval exercise between Sri Lanka Navy and Indian Navy commenced off Trincomalee on September 19, 2011 and concluded on September 23, 2011. This joint naval exercise signifies the goodwill, friendly relations and mutual co-operation that exist between India and Sri Lanka.

Some interesting features of SLINEX 2011 are:

The 05 day exercise was conducted in four phases covering a Harbour Training Programme at Trincomalee and a Sea Training Programme in the seas off the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka to enhance interoperability between the two Navies.

Sri Lanka Navy was represented by two Offshore Patrol Vessels, a Fast Missile Vessel, two Fast Gun Boats and six Fast Attack Crafts.

The following activities were part of the exercise:

Seamanship maneuvers – Station Keeping By Distance Line (SKBDL) and Jackstay

Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO)

Visit Board Search and Seize (VBSS)

Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations

Close Range Anti-Air Firing (CRAA)

Replenishment at Sea (RAS)

Asymmetric Threat Exercise

Helo Ops

Officers and men from the participating Indian Navy ships also visited the ‘Anbu Illam’ and ‘Sivananda Thapobanam’ orphanages in Trincomalee. They interacted with the children at these orphanages and offered community service by painting of dormitories/beds, plumbing work including handing over of two months supply of provisions, medicines and other essential commodities.